The Royal Contract

The couple stood before the king of kings, swearing their eternal love for one another to a higher power above. They were not a religious couple, but they believed that someone watched all over them.

The Bishop extended his hands from both sides as if calling for the spirit to grant him permission to officiate the ceremony and give them the initial blessing of the matrimony.

"Dear family and friends, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Prince Alexander Blackstone and Miss Daniella Hamilton in marriage." The priest pointed to the couple before addressing the entire crowd.

"A lasting marriage is more than just joining the bonds of two persons. It is the union of two hearts, connected by love." He continued preaching what he believed was the meaning of this occasion.

"Does anyone here have any objection to this wedding? Speak now or forever hold your peace." Everyone kept their silence. 

Not one made a loud noise. One might hear a pin drop from the sudden stillness. It would seem no one dared to stop the wedding from happening.

"In that case, let us continue with the ceremony." The officiating priest began with the rituals.

As the nuptial rites continued, the couple listened with half an ear as their hearts and minds were already anxious for the wedding to be over. They just could not wait for the priest to declare them husband and wife.

Finally, the questions that everyone was waiting for. The Bishop first asked the groom the question everybody was waiting for. Would Alexander take Daniella to be his wife? 

But the priest had barely finished his question when the groom quickly answered. "I do." Without any hesitation and doubt. He wanted the ceremony to speed up so he could finally kiss his wife.

He looked at his best man, signaling that he needed the ring. Marcus abruptly panicked as he checked his pockets for the symbol of their love. 

With a sigh of relief, he found it inside his inner jacket. "Sorry," Marcus quickly handed the ring.

Alex took the round gold metallic band from Marcus, and with the Bishop's blessings, placed it on Dani's finger. He had it made only with her in mind. 

"Our story began in a very unconventional way. It might not have been ideal, but somehow we have managed to make it work." Alex took her hands, cradling them in his. As he said his vows, he bared his soul to her.

"I would not claim that it was love at first sight, but you did leave a mark that made it hard for me to forget about you. Now that we are binding our life together, I will never let anything break us apart. 

Unless death took us from the other, but still, I will search for you in the afterlife. I will love you for eternity." He finished, kissing her fingers with his ring.

He did not want to use a family heirloom. For him, the symbol of their union should be specially made just for them and not something handed down to them from a previous marriage.

The Bishop turned to the bride with the usual ceremonial words. The priest continued with the proceeding and was about to ask the same question. Would Daniella take Alexander to be her husband?

But the same thing happened. The priest was not given a chance to end his query as Daniella answered in a louder voice, "I do." For everyone to hear.

Why wait and prolong the agony when they could speed up the process. Although tradition still prevented the ceremony from ending by simply saying I do and be done with it.

She also took the ring and inserted it into his finger. Then, she remembered she had forgotten to prepare her personal vow. She decided instead to speak from the heart.

"Aside from what you said, which I totally agree, and feel the same way. I wish to add something." Dani felt embarrassed for not having written anything. Coming up with a vow was the last thing on her mind.

She moved her hands towards his cheek and allowed her palms to absorb its warmth. She tilted her head until her eyes were in direct sight of his.

"Our love affair did not exactly start at the right foot. But since we are taking the leap of faith and trusting our love to move us forward in this relationship. I have a few things I wish to request from you." She began with her pledge of love.

He nodded, encouraging her to continue with her speech. "I wish that you will always feel comfortable to talk things over, no matter what the topic is. 

To confide your deepest secret and troubles so we can solve them together. To laugh with each other and enjoy life together at every opportunity. 

I wish to share every moment of peace and quiet when the day is finally over." She finished with little moisture in her eyes.

She could not help the tears, seeing the love that danced in his eyes, revealing all he felt for her. She always thought that she was the vulnerable one, but in truth, he always had worn his heart on his sleeves when it came to her.

"The ring on your fingers will serve as a reminder of your precious love, which is the most important element in your life together." The Bishop informed them, reminding them of its importance.

"The ring has no beginning, and no end, symbolizing that love is infinite. Those metallic bands are a visible sign of the vows you took today, which have bound you as husband and wife." The priest declared to the people who bothered to listen.

Then, the tradition continued to ensue, but the two could not care less because they were now wearing the ring that signified their union.

The candles were lit to symbolize the unity of their bond. So, it might continue to shine brightly, not only in times of stillness and calm. 

But also during moments of darkness, turbulent moments, or tough challenges, allowing the inner light of their love to be an eternal flame to light their path.

The ceremonial veil was draped onto the shoulders of the bride and the groom, signifying two people being clothed as one. This represented a wish for good health and protection during married life. It also symbolized the union of two families into one.

The entwined hands of the couple were loosely tied with a silken cord. It formed a knot that would bind them together. It also represented an everlasting promise of fidelity. A commitment to be faithful to one another.

After the long ceremony, the Bishop finally said his final words of wisdom. With the holy water in his hands, he had blessed the couple with eternal love. 

"By the power vested on me by our God above, I declare you husband and wife." The priest finally ended the matrimonies. "I present to all of you for the first time Prince Alexander and Princess Daniella Blackstone." 

"You may now kiss the bride." He finally announced to the world.

The Bishop's voice was barely heard due to the applause and the well-wishes of the crowd.. The spectators inside and outside the cathedral stayed in their positions, shouting for the long-awaited kiss.